The Match Overview
On December 28, 2025, the Exeter Chiefs celebrated a significant win against the Leicester Tigers, claiming a vital 24-10 victory that propelled them to second place in the Premiership standings. The atmosphere was electric at the sold-out Sandy Park, with fans eager to see if their team could maintain their momentum.
Early Dominance and Key Highlights
The match kicked off with Exeter asserting their dominance right from the beginning. Greg Fisilau opened the scoring with a powerful run, slicing through the Tigers' defense for an early try just three minutes in. This was a clear statement from the Chiefs, who aimed to build on their previous week's victory against Saracens.
Twenty minutes later, the young and promising winger Campbell Ridl, just 20 years old, made his mark with a dazzling try that was nothing short of spectacular. After a clever chip over his defender, Ridl regathered the ball, showcasing agility and skill before diving under the posts, putting Exeter up 14-0.
“If this morning you'd have offered us a win, we'd have taken it,” said Exeter's attack coach Dave Walder, reflecting on the game. “But we did miss chances to secure a bonus point.”
The Response from Leicester
However, Leicester wasn't ready to roll over. After a disallowed Exeter try where Harvey Skinner was thwarted by a forward push ruling, Leicester's Cameron Henderson charged in to score just before halftime, reducing the deficit to 14-7.
The first half illustrated both teams' tactical approaches, with Exeter clearly capitalizing on set pieces. However, Leicester's quick response showed they could match the Chiefs in power plays.
Second Half: Tactical Adjustments
As the second half commenced, Exeter extended their lead with a penalty from Henry Slade ten minutes in, pushing the score to 17-7. The narrative of the game shifted when Leicester's Sam Williams received a yellow card, leaving the Tigers with a man down, a situation Exeter needed to exploit.
Just moments after Williams returned, disaster struck for Leicester. In a pivotal moment, Exeter executed a well-rehearsed play that saw Stephen Varney, the agile scrum-half, dive in for his second try in as many matches, making it 24-7.
“The win, following last week's victory, again shows Exeter's title credentials,” I noted as the match progressed. Their season arc contrasted starkly with last year's disappointing finish.
Leicester's Late Push
In the closing moments, Leicester managed to salvage some pride with a penalty from Billy Searle. But even as they showed signs of resurgence, they couldn't convert late chances into a meaningful response, demonstrating the cost of being slightly off in key moments.
Post-Match Reflections
Post-match, Leicester head coach Geoff Parling was reflective:
“I've obviously done something wrong during the week because I just thought we looked slightly off, both during our warm-up and in that first 30 minutes.”
This sentiment resonates deeply; the fine margins that define successful rugby are often determined by preparation and mindset.
What Lies Ahead for Both Teams?
As we look ahead, Exeter now sits just a point behind Northampton, with Bath trailing closely in third. Their blend of youthful exuberance and experienced strategy makes them formidable contenders as the season progresses. Conversely, Leicester must reflect on this performance, recalibrate, and bolster their tactics to remain a top-six team in the competition.
Conclusion
This match was more than just a victory for Exeter; it showcased their recovery and resurgence in form after a challenging previous season. With individual talents like Ridl and Fisilau stepping up, coupled with strategic acumen from the coaching staff, I expect them to be a force to be reckoned with as the season unfolds. Rugby, after all, is about heart, tactics, and sometimes a sprinkle of magic — something Exeter has certainly embraced.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c1dz1xpxy3xo
